Tom I makes a very valid point about the building of the new bridge. Although there are two bridges and just one needs replacing, the plan is to place tolls on both bridges soon in order to collect needed funds to replace the existing I-5 bridge. The suggested amount is $2 each crossing. Not only will you spend $4 per day in addition to the extra gas you're paying for, the already clogged commute will be slower than it is right now.

Providence is next to max which is supplmented by your employer. If it's money then a home in Oregon close to max will save you more then Fishers Landing. If your friends live in Fishers Landing then move there as you already like the area.
The best things is write down Pros of both areas and Oregon will win if you do anything downtown, zoo, kids, people you know and work with etc.
Fishers Landing will win if price range under 300k and looking for schools for you kids which all of the Portland/Vancouver area ranks higher then national average. people you know and spend time with are there as well as more house for you $.

The values are better in Vancouver than in Portland. One thing no one mentioned is selling a house in Oregon verses WA. The average cost to sell a house in Washington is close to 10% and about 6% in Oregon. Factor in time it takes to sell more buyers in OR and when you want to sell how long will it take? Longer in WA less homes sold and I can show you that. One other thing the license on your car. Call and find out OR is $35 year WA is the off the car value some times $1500 or more for each car. No, they don't have income tax but a sales tax and they have other taxes and I have seen a web site that compares taxes and OR comes in lower in over all tax than WA. Think about the commute in the next 5-10 years when the next bridge is going to be built. Drive a few days over there at 6pm and see what you think or at 7:30am and then decide. Good Luck.
Tom Inglesby,Broker

Please visit my website because I have a very cool "Cost of Commuting Calculator" It will tell you how much you'll spend on your commute vs. buying closer in.

Yes, we have the tax issue on the Oregon state side, but when you factor in the travel costs, it might make better "cents" to live closer to your employement. You'll need to ask yourself if, realistically, you'll be at your job more then a couple of years. If so, this commute will get old very soon. And, the commute will be costly, and adds up. Sure, the $50 (plus) to fill up seems CHEAPER then the taxes you pay . . . but is it?!?

It might be a penny-wise, pound foolish notion to live in an area but work in another. If you're not self-employed and can't deduct your commute, think about what you CAN deduct . . .

There are plenty of nice, comparable neighborhoods in the Metro Portland area that would make a suitable home. It used to be that housing prices were less in Washington, just over the bridge. Not so anymore. They've caught up to us!

But, now is a great time to buy. I've never seen the market look so favorable to buyers -- and that's on both sides of the river!!

I've been working with buyers (exclusively) for 10 years, and it really does make sense to buy, no matter where!! And I'm not just saying that because I'm an EBA. It's amazing what sellers are doing now, and the inventory is GREAT!

Best regards!

Property taxes are lower in Washington State.....wages are generally higher in Portland area. No sales tax in Oregon, so do your shopping there. You'll have to pay Oregon State income tax....traffic is hellish. Hope that helps!

I live in Fisher's Landing and love it! My husband and I moved here from NW Portland to get away from the high income taxes we were paying in Oregon. I work on both sides of the bridge and still pay some taxes to Oregon. If you have kids, the schools in Washington (in my opinion) are well worth the commute to work.

I agree with Lana. It is a long way to drive and only 2 ways to get from Vancouver to Portland.(I-5 Bridge and I-205 bridge) Both can be very slow at major traffic times and if there is an accident there is no alternative.
Why not think of an area in Portland, Gresham, Oregon City or Clackamas. My son-in-law works at Providence and he live in Oregon City. I've never heard him complain of the commute as there are several alternative routes to take if one is at a stand still.

If you live in Washington but work in Oregon - your tax is on the income you make in Oregon but it is tax deductible for your washington taxes. Fishers landing is a very nice area but a long drive to where you are going to work. You may want to google it to know whether it will really work for you or not.